The Up From Here Podcast

DJ Levels joins DJ BuzzB on the Up From Here Podcast for a conversation that goes far beyond DJing. From playing for free and struggling to get bookings to leaving the security of a 9-to-5, becoming one of London's most in-demand DJs, travelling internationally and building the Olympia event brand, Levels breaks down the lessons, sacrifices and mindset shifts that helped turn his passion into a business.

The conversation dives into branding, entrepreneurship, marketing, knowing your value, paying your dues, building the right team, creating unforgettable events, Notting Hill Carnival, international DJing and why having MORE bookings isn't always better for your brand. Levels also explains how he went from chasing opportunities to building a brand capable of attracting them.

If you're a DJ, creative, entrepreneur, event promoter or anyone trying to turn what you love into something sustainable, there are plenty of gems in this episode.

In this episode, DJ BuzzB sits down with internationally respected DEEJBLAZE to break down his journey from barbering in Saint Martin to becoming a touring DJ known for precision, energy, and elite-level crowd control. Blaze shares how mixtapes were the real foundation of his brand—literally selling and giving away CDs street-by-street to build a loyal fanbase long before social media made promotion easier. He explains how his “Top of the Top” tagline was born from early dancehall influences, and how touring opened doors across the Caribbean, the French Antilles, and eventually the U.S. market through key relationships and standout performances. 

The conversation dives into the realities of today’s DJ industry being flooded, why DJs must invest in buying music properly, and how Blaze custom-edits tracks to make them hit harder and sound different from everyone else. They also unpack controversial topics like song replays, late-party culture, and why sometimes the crowd is the reason songs repeat—not the DJ. Finally, Blaze reveals his next chapter: stepping into music production and expanding his entrepreneurial side with his own sunglasses brand, while staying grounded in humility and long-term respect in the culture. 

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dred Lion, the Grenadian artist behind the breakout Soca anthem “Grease It”, to unpack how a song that started quietly became a global carnival movement. Dred Lion opens up about his long creative journey, the years of groundwork before the hit, and why overnight success is almost never really overnight. He breaks down the real meaning behind the lyrics, including the now-iconic “Callaloo Leaf” line that sparked deep interpretations across cultures and generations. We also dive into how Grenada’s Soca scene rose to dominance, the brotherhood among Grenadian artists, and how the song exploded internationally. This episode goes beyond music, touching on culture, resilience, pressure, and purpose after a massive breakthrough. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the hit song, this conversation will change how you see success.

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Captain Jason Benn pulls up to Only Up From Here for a real blueprint conversation on longevity, reinvention, and ownership in Soca. He takes us from his Trinidad roots and early Calypso competition wins to the moment he switched lanes into Soca and never looked back. Jason breaks down how “Boat Ride Anthem” was born in 2003, why it became a permanent pillar in Caribbean party culture, and what it taught him about the industry and making timeless music.  

We get into the business side too, being underpaid as a “local act,” choosing to promote his own boat rides, and turning frustration into freedom and real profit. He shares gems on songwriting for legends (Most Notably - I Dare You by Destra) and the importance of DJs breaking records, and how the streaming/social era changed opportunity for artists and entertainers worldwide. This episode is packed with game for artists, DJs, promoters, and anyone trying to build a real career in the culture. Hit play and enjoy this amazing episode!

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In this episode of The Up From Here Podcast, Buzz links up with Kai in Trinidad fresh off Carnival to talk about his career in the Soca industry, but the future of the Caribbean music business. Kai breaks down his journey as a road manager, what artists actually need to grow, and why branding + digital strategy are the missing pieces. We get into the future of Soca, building creative infrastructure at home, and why the Caribbean has to get online now before the tech wave passes us.

If you’re an artist, manager, creative, or just love the culture — this one is packed with gems and big vision. Tap in and catch the blueprint for where Caribbean entertainment is heading next.

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